What are the correct financial requirements for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand: is it 800,000 THB AND 65,000 THB income, or OR?

Sep 9, 2024
2 months ago
Marc ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I get confused in my search, for the perfect visa, to be almost constantly in my preferred Thailand.

Some websites say.

800.000 in the bank AND 65.000 income?

Other say.

800.000 in the bank OR 65.000 income?

My problem is.

I have sufficient money in my Belgian bank. But it's all invested. It gets free to use in almost 2 years.

If I would take it out now. I would lose a lot of money. And I would lose money again, by exchanging it to Thai bath and wiring it to a Thai bank. But if a monthly income of 65.000 THB (1735€ at this moment) is sufficient. Then I can apply for the retirement visa.

.

* I am 64. So that's over 50.

* I have a valid foreign (Belgium) passport.

* I can easily find a residence in Thailand and presenting a 6-month lease (I can rent in the hotel I always stay)

* Because my monthly income before taxes is over 65.000 THB it should be easy to get the letter from the embassy proving of sufficient income.

* The “Police Clearance Certificate” I guess, is a certificate of Belgium police of no criminal record. So that’s also no problem.

* Medical certificate. I guess it’s medical certificate of having non contagious illness. Also no problem to get.

* Proof of health insurance Thailand. I don’t know if my Belgium health insurance is sufficient. If not I can always get one specially for Thailand.

.

So my one and only problem is.

What is required?

800.000 ‘AND’ 65.000

or

is it 800.000 ‘OR’ 65.000?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The requirement for the Thai retirement visa (NON-O or NON-OA) can be confusing. The essential clarification is that you can qualify by either maintaining 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account OR demonstrating a monthly income of 65,000 THB. Many comments highlight the importance of checking with your embassy about income certifications, as some embassies, like those from Belgium, still issue income affidavits which can support visa applications without needing to show liquid assets in Thailand. For first-time applicants, the funds need to be seasoned in the account for a minimum period before application.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Stephen ********
No bank required
Angelo ***********
or - get some common sense
Mark *********
or
Wynton *********
If I have a $250,000 (American dollars) stock portfolio, can I get in with that only?
Wynton *********
If I have a stock portfolio worth $250K(American dollars) can I get in with that only?
Thomas ******
800.000 eller 65k fra en pensionsfond
Greta *****
At least you know that 64 is OVER 50....That's a good start!
David **********
either either
Deniz *********
Or
Kurt **********
That’s if you get the Visa in Thailand. If you get it in your country of residence through local consulate, only need the 65k income. Much easier. I believe I can renew in Thailand the same, will see in 8 months. Otherwise just go back and get it online in Italy
Joseph *********
Very disappointing for Aust.

I used to get the Aff every year...no dead money.
Dick *********
It is OR. After you get to Thailand, go to the nearest immigration office and ask what THEY consider proof of income in your case. (Seems to differ by office)
Bob **********
You must use Banked money 800k for your first non-o and extension then you can switch to monthly transfers of 65k+ a month foreign transfer
Gregory ********
Marc—different strokes for different folks—dont appreciate the ball ache at my age—your investment in Belgium is making money for you—use a agent —pay the money with a smile—no ball ache or stress
Gregory ********
Or
Rob **********
It’s OR. I have done it. My wife has done it. The income is fine
Terary **********
@Rob *********
Any advice for using the income method? I have been sending 65K from a foreign bank account for over a year. I think I will be using the Pattaya immigration office.
John-Paul ******
It's the one after..."or".
Paul *********
Todd Daniels is your man on Thai Visa Advice.
Paul *********
Just do the 6 month Multiple entry visa. Spend a good 6-9 months there every year. Less complicated. Just leave when you have to.
Tom **********************
Do you have to pay taxes...or is that another thread..
François *********
It is or! To justify incomes, you have to do a certificate at your country embassy; it is just a declaration. And immigration accepts it (Bangkok’s one).
Nongnuch ********
In order to apply for the “90-days Non-Imm-O retirement visa” through the online E-visa system at the Royal Thai Embassy of your home country,

You can use the proof of income of a monthly minimum of 65.000.- THB, by using your pension letters. Or you use a deposit of a minimum of 800.000.- THB or the equivalent in your home country, or on your bank account in your home country or anywhere in the World

However, for the application inside Thailand, for the “1-year extension of stay permit” out of the 90-days Non-Imm-O retirement visa, if you are a citizen of a country, whose embassy in Thailand does not issue the “income affidavit any more (USA, UK, Australia)

you would need proof by a “12 months bank statement”, showing that for the past 12 months, you have been transferring from abroad to your Thai bank account a minimum of 65.000.- THB, month for month

If your embassy still issues an affidavit of income, you can use this method for the financial proof, which needs a monthly income or pension of a minimum of 65.000.- THB

For British, Australian and U.S. citizens, there is no other way around, than depositing a minimum of 800.000.- THB in your Thai bank account and use this deposit for the financial proof which is required for the application to the “one year extension of stay permit based on being over 50/retired”

NOTE: it is income OR deposit. And there is a third method, called the “combination method”: a combination mix of income and deposit. Some immigrations don’t allow the combination method in the first year.

On the day of application, the 800.000.- THB need to have “seasoned” in your account for two months, and this has to be proven with the “bank letter of guarantee” (rab roong thanakan).

After been issued the “Extension”, the 800K need to remain in the account for 3 more months. After the deposit shall never go under 400.000.- THB. And two months before your application for the next “one-year Extension of Stay”, the minimum of 800.000.- THB have to sit in the account, again

When you get issued the “1-year extension of stay permit”, you should buy a re-entry permit. A re-entry permit will keep your stay permit alive if you exit Thailand before the expiry of the 1-year stay permit. A single re-entry permit is 1000.- THB on Immigration.
Mark ********
@Nongnuch *******
- i appreciate you taking time to share your knowledge. Maybe u can answer this question: In subsequent annual retirement visa renewals inside Thailand, is there or is there not a mandatory requirement to show proof of thai-based health insurance? And if so, for somebody already keeping US medicare, who would only want get catastrophic (hit by car etc) in-patient thai coverage, do u have any leads? Thank you.
Nongnuch ********
@Mark *******
there is no health insurance requirement for people who are on a "1-year Extension of Stay" based on a Non-Imm-O visa. Only people on extensions based on a Non-Imm-O/A visa require a mandatory insurance. If this can be your US Medicare insurer, or if it needs to be a tgia-listed Thai private insurer, you will have to ask your specific Immigration office
Mark ********
@Nongnuch *******
Thanks for sharing the knowledge.
David **********
Either
Patrick ********
Or and could be a mix of both if i am not wrong, see Thailand requirement
John *******
Our
Ed *****
1st year application, no need for money in thai bank. Just copy 3 current local bank statement balance to attach on application. Once your retirement visa is issued, you can then come to thailand and apply for your thai bank account. Remember to have cheap phone plan that you can receive otp password to do online banking for money transfers. Create accounts from transfer wise, xe, PayPal or setup with your bank for wire transfers. Check debit cards that have little or no ATM charges, to allow emergency money withdrawals
Jim ********
Cameron *******
Or
Ian **********
The latter if you are over 50
Kirsten *********
My country won’t give the affidavit so I all I need to do is show
*****
coming into my Thai bank account every month. It’s becoming harder to get those bank accounts though
John **********
@Kirsten ********
but needs to be for a full 12 months prior to applying for an extension
Kirsten *********
So the first year I did it on deposit then I spent the 2nd year bringing in the amounts and now I just renew every year for 1700 plus the exit re-entry visa. People should be aware that this amount that you bring into country will now be taxed unless you can prove you paid tax on it elsewhere under a double taxation agreement. My tax this year will be
*****
on the 800,000 I brought in. Is it cheaper to pay an agent? yes. I prefer not to.
Brian **********
Shane **********
LTR Visa is the way to go.
Mark ********
Just curious re the OA visa. I'm coming up to my second year here in Thailand on the OA visa. Doing a border bounce tomorrow. September 2025 will be the end of my current OA visa I believe I cant extend it again and if I want another OA visa I have to travel home to my home country (New Zealand) and apply for another OA visa? I have 2 Thai bank accounts. Thai Elite Visa is not for me, too expernsive. TIA.
Jan ******************
@Mark *******
You will, Non O-A can only be applied for at your registered permanent residence at date outside Thailand. But you can do a regular yearly extension of stay at the immigration in Thailand and NZ’s embassy still offers to provide affidavit letters as I understand. So if you can meet the required 65K baht a month you don’t need to prove any funds in Thailand. You’ll need to maintain your health insurance though.
Mark ********
@Jan *****************
Thank you Jan.
Nongnuch ********
@Mark *******
and you will need to make it a tgia-listed Thai private health insurance, if you decide to take the "extension of stay" out of a Non-Imm-O/A visa. Foreign insurances won't be accepted by Immigration any more, from this point onward. Check with your Immigration for the actual requirements
Moshi *****
800,000 in the bank or 80,000 per month income
Nongnuch ********
@Moshi ****
65.000.- THB per month income, not 80.000
Jean-Claude *********
800’000 OU 65’000.— par mois, point à la ligne
Mikkel *******
What everyone seems to forget here is that many embassies are still issuing an income affidavit. Only a few stopped. Namely US, UK, AU, and a few others. Most that offered that service still do. And it's still accepted by thai immigration. No need to keep 800K or transfer in 65K per month if all you need to do is ask your embassy for that affidavit.
Helen ********
@Mikkel ******
is US stoped issuing income affidavit?
Nongnuch ********
@Helen *******
The U.S. Embassy discontinued issuing income affidavits, because Thai Immigration refused to acknowledge the process which the applicant had to pass on the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok

All that a U.S. citizen needed to “prove”, was putting his/her hand on the Bible and say “I swear by God I earn 2500.- Dollar per month”

No other documentation was needed

So, since every person and his grandmother could theoretically lie about their real income, Thai Immigration discontinued to accept American income affidavits
Helen ********
@Nongnuch *******
I thought the applicants must

Provide documents to support and prove their true income. 🤣
Nongnuch ********
@Helen *******
yes, for other embassies that's true. We have to show official and original income and/or pension statements. Only on the Embassy of the United States of the Holy Mainfest Destiny, your hand on the Holy Book and you swearing was sufficient a proof 😂😂😎
Helen ********
@Nongnuch *******
You must be joking right? 😂😂😂 I can’t believe it.
Nongnuch ********
@Helen *******
it's true. Thai Immigration refused to acknowledge income proofs given purely by swearing with a hand on the bible - something that I support unconditionally. I swear, this was the reason. It is a true story 😇
Mikkel *******
@Helen *******
or choose another visa option. The new DTV looks promising for example. Elite visa will get you up to 20 years hassle free if money up front isn't a concern. LTR 10 year visa too.
Mikkel *******
@Helen *******
yes, several years ago If from the US your only option is to bank 800K to start with. Then later you can switch to using transfers of minimum 65K into Thailand each and every month.
Helen ********
@Mikkel ******
this one sound like a wealthy pensioner visa?
Mikkel *******
@Helen *******
yes, the LTR is dubbed wealthy pensioners visa.
Helen ********
@Mikkel ******
thank you 🙏🏼 appreciate for your answer.
Brandon ************
@Mikkel ******
Another thing many people forget is that if your embassy still does the affidavit, you cannot use the monthly bank transfers. Immigration will tell you to get the certification from your embassy instead.
Mikkel *******
@Brandon ***********
in that case it's the affidavit or banking the 800K
Mikkel *******
@Brandon ***********
true. Not a minor detail
Mark ********
@Mikkel ******
sorry Mikkel that laugh emoji was a mistake. Fat fingers 🙄
Colin *********
@Mark *******
🤣 if you weren't aware, if you tap on the 'like' button again, that will disappear - at least if you do it within a few seconds.
Tony **********
It is kind of an AND. You'll need 800k in account to get your first year extension. You can start to show the 65k/month over that year. But you have to have 12 months of 65k and every month following. Miss a month and your start all over
Brandon ************
@Tony *********
Actually if his embassy offers income verification, he cannot use monthly transfers.
Stuart *********
If he’s Belgium I believe their embassy still issues the income affidavit, which means there is no financial requirement to have funds in Thailand. He uses that affidavit.
Mikkel *******
@Stuart ********
exactly what I would suggest. My Danish father does the same. No need to keep money in Thailand, or transfer in a minimum amount. Just show the affidavit.
John *********
Its the second choice Either 800k OR 65k a month. From what you've said your ok.
Mikkel *******
It's either one. Not and.

Being from Belgium, check if your embassy here will issue an income affidavit showing more than 65K thai baht per month before tax. That will do it too. My Danish father doesn't need to keep 800K or transferring 65K per month (though he does anyway) because he can get the affidavit from the Danish Embassy. I don't think Belgium stopped making those, if they ever did.
Joseph *********
@Mikkel ******
if yiu have the aff yiu swear that you have an income coming into Thailand of
*****
Mikkel *******
@Joseph ********
no requirements about it actually being transferred into Thailand.
Joseph *********
Mikkel *******
@Joseph ********
The Danish Embassy actually checks and verifies that it's true. It is not possible to lie about. It's not just a sworn statement. I don't know the process of each individual country's embassy in Thailand, but the reason why immigration wouldn't accept them from for example the US embassy is just that. No check of anything. Just a sworn statement where you could be lying.
Joseph *********
@Mikkel ******
Aus was just a sworn statement....but these days with electronic banking checking is easy.
Mikkel *******
@Joseph ********
if they wanted to check they could yes. And then Thai immigration would accept it I am sure. They apparently can't be bothered to do that 😂
Joseph *********
@Mikkel ******
lazy buggers
Steve *******
Or
Brandon ************
It's or. but with a caveat.

So the requirements you are showing are for the non-OA visa. This is a 1-year multiple entry you can ONLY get in your home country from the Thai embassy there. It has very high requirements like mandatory insurance, medical certificate, police clearance etc. The difference is that for this visa you can show money in your home country bank account. So that means it's the Thai embassy in your home country that determines what money you can show as proof for your visa application.

Check with the Belgian embassy in Bangkok. As them if they issue proof of income certificates. If they offer this, then your life is going to be MUCH easier. That's because the only proof of income that immigration will accept for the first annual extension is proof of income from the embassy.

If the embassy offers this, you should not look at the OA visa. You should look at the 90-day non-O visa instead. This has no insurance requirement, no police certificate requirement, no medical certificate requirement. It's much simpler. You can apply for it in your home country or go to Thailand as a tourist. Once in Thailand get the certificate of income from your embassy and you can use that to apply for the 1-year extension, or apply to convert to a non-O visa at your immigration office. This certificate must state that you have a monthly income of 65,000 baht and then you don't need to worry about showing money in the bank at all.
Bart **************
It's or.
Tore *********
Well its 800k in a THAI bank account (and need to sit in the account for a couple months in advance before you apply ) , or 65K a month coming from a foreign bank account to a thai banking account (If your embassy in Thailand issue income verification, not all do)

However if I were you I’d look into DTV visa based on medical treatment. Its allot less hassle. Just getting a Thai Bank account alone is not easy….
Tj ********
@Tore ********
can I get the DTV with a single appointment or does it need to be ongoing treatments? Does it stipulate what types of medical appointments or can it be anything?
Tore *********
@Tj *******
that depends on the embassy you apply. I did mine in Jakarta, and was based on a single appointment. Initial consultation with neurosurgeon in my case
Tj ********
@Tore ********
I’ll try it out
Tj ********
Does the doctor have to send a letter or just a appointment verification
Tore *********
@Tj *******
i only had the confirmation pdf. But again this was in Jakarta
Jan ******************
Just apply for a regular 90 days Non O visa at the Thai embassy in Belgium with your income and bank at home and do a one year extension of stay in Thailand with affidavit letter from your embassy confirming your income. For a regular Non O there’s no mandatory health insurance, police check up etc.
Chip *****
@Jan *****************
it’s that embassy letter that stops US residents - state department no longer provides that service.
Jan ******************
@Chip ****
yes, US, UK and AUS stopped in 2018 I think, most embassies in Western Europe still offers this service.
Galen *******
@Jan *****************
... and Denmark stopped it.
Ruud ******************
It’s or, or a combination of the 2
Terry **********
@Ruud *****************
combination not always. I was told at KK 2 years ago that combination is a no go.
Ruud ******************
@Terry *********
Okay, as far as I know it ‘s still possible, but immigration will know
Brandon ************
@Ruud *****************
Each immigration office decides on their own if they will accept it or not
SteBu ******
800k in the Bank. Not every Country give you the income letter
Andy ************
@SteBu *****
But his country does, so he's laughing. Doesn't need the 800k
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